Teams - Saturday League Teams - 3rd XI 2013 reports

Fixtures, Results and Tables

Match Reports

3s v Sidcup 3/8

Fielding first, ODs managed to keep control of the Sidcup innings for most of the 46 overs with steady opening spells from Iestyn Caddy and Sam Hutton. Brian North made the first breakthrough courtesy of a good catch from Billy Rouse at short fine leg before Chippy Langford ended the 2nd wicket stand with a brilliant catch over his shoulder running back at long off to leave Sidcup 105-2. Despite Sidcup's impressive opener continued on his way to 92, Iestyn and Billy Rouse bowled well at the death (despite a few fielding lapses near the end) to keep the final total down to a very attainable 188-5.

The less said about the ODs reply the better. After losing a wicket first ball, things never really improved as we drowned in a miserable array of slogs, sweeps and hoicks to a none-to-special attack on a pitch offering only gentle turn. 54 all out.

3s at Old Wilsonians 27/7

In glorious sunshine, stand-in skip Andy Parker unfortunately lost the toss and Wilsonians elected to bat. Dave Minette and Sam Hutton kept the scoring down on a good batting wicket with some tight bowling before John McLaughlin cannily induced the opposition captain into hitting a full bunger straight up in the air. Shortly after, Dan Brown took another good catch off Brian North and then ran out their no.4 before he had faced to leave Wilsonians at 76-3 after 24 overs. A steady partnership moved the score along to 124-4 before an explosive performance in the last 10 lifted them to 218 with some excellent dissecting of the field. Nonetheless, the bowling remained consistent and fielding solid (Chippy took a good catch at long on off Sam Hutton) so this was a decent effort in the heat.

ODs batting never really got going after a couple of early wickets - a brief renaissance from Chippy (21) and Taylor (20) ended once their useful young left arm spinner began to extract significant purchase from the pitch, even bowling the former round his legs. ODs staggered to 82-6, but with heavy rainfall imminent, some dogged defence kept the ODs innings alive long enough to deny Wilsonians victory before the weather gods intervened.

3s v Orpington 20/7

After electing to field, a couple of crunching boundaries by the Orpington opener from the first two balls seemed to bode ill for ODS but he quickly reverted to slogging and was soon dispensed with by Dave Minette (11-1-32-2) who then took an excellent caught and bowled to remove the other opener. At 67-3 Orpington looked a little shaky but then decided attack was the best form of defence and persistently plopped the ball in the river though John McLaughlin (unintentionally) attempted to strange this partnership at birth with a well-directed beamer that clocked their number 3. However, ODs managed to limit the score to 210 thanks to 4 wickets from Brian North, a canny and frugal spell from Will Berry (5-1-8-1) and persistence from the luckless James Alvey (12-0-49-1) who had deserved wickets with the new ball.

Orpington's faith in their opening bowler (3 slips, forward short leg and short extra cover seemed a little optimistic) was not repaid as Andy Parker (38) and Laurence Sanders compiled 55 for the first wicket and saw off the new ball threat. However, ODs soon collapsed to 89-6 and the game seemed up. However, Dan Brown (45*) and Liam Osborne (25) took advantage from an increasingly ragged and impatient fielding performance mixing defiant blows with opportunistic running between the wickets to take the score up to 171-7 before Liam was bowled; ODs finished on 181-7.

Against a talented side there were some impressive individual performances and the fielding display was very commendable - much to build upon for the next week as ODs seek to reverse a 5 match losing streak.

3 at Caribbean Mix

As the nominated report writer has clearly been otherwise engaged this week, here is the webmaster' view of events.

We arrived at Mayow Park, Sydenham for our return match against Caribbean Mix on a hot day. Won the toss and chose to bowl to try and take advantage of what seemed to be an interesting wicket. Several sun bathers needed to be removed from the outfield prior to the start.

CM batted positively from the start and punished every bad ball. Johnny Mac bowled a strenuous 9 over spell with just one dragged around wicket to show. Sanders L took an excellent catch in the deep, almost under the trees. Two CM bats got good fifties before JM returned and picked up another three wickets with a good, straight second spell. 236-6.

After a splendid Caribbean tea Parker and Sanders strolled out to bat. In the end we just about lasted until the 25th over, with all ten wickets being clean bowled. The pitch possibly contributed to a couple of the wickets, but most of them were due to good, straight and accurate bowling accompanied by too many batsmen not getting forward.

We came up against a superior team on the day but it was a little disappointing that so few of our bats made the most of the opportunity to spend some quality time at the crease against good bowlers. The fat, old bloke at the top of the order rather enjoyed the challenge.

3s home to Ex Blues 6/7

ODs suffered a disappointing loss to bottom of the table ex-Blues on Saturday after getting into a strong position. Batting first, the new ball (and accompanying variable bounce) was comfortably negotiated by James 'Chippy' Langford who continued his excellent form from last week with a superb 92 as he took the opportunity to punish any loose delivery. After a mini-collapse from 50-1 to 65-4, Marc Woods helped form a useful partnership to push the score up to 130-4 with 15 overs to go but a series of loose strokes meant that ex-Blues were able to recover and finish off the innings for 172 after only 38.3 overs.

It was vital to take wickets with the new ball and Brian North (14-4-41-2) and Alex Brown (11-2-27-2) exerted control with Browny, in particular, having the batsmen hopping around and fending the ball away as it repeatedly jumped from a full length. After an obstinate stand, John McLaughlin (11-2-34-2) had their apparently key batsman caught behind by Andy Rouse for 28 leaving ex-Blues around 100 short of their target with only 4 wickets remaining. However, their no.7 contrived to play an excellent innings - defending good deliveries and attacking anything wide, short or overpitched - of 71* and despite Brian returning to pick up another wicket, ex-Blues held their nerve to win in the 48th over.

The fielding performance was very solid - no dropped catches - but the failure to capitalise on good starts to each innings (and fine individual efforts by the oppo) ultimately meant ex-Blues came out on top.

3s at Beckenham 29/6

In resplendent sunshine, ODs fielded first on a sporting wicket. Alex Brown (12-5-34-1) put in an excellent opening spell - repeatedly beating and finding the outside edge - that went largely unrewarded though he did ensnare their opening bat who had made use of the fast outfield (complete with slope) to push Beckenham to 38-1. Although a large partnership was constructed to take the score to 128-1, ODs never lost control of the game thanks mainly due to Dave Caddy (11-1-51-3) and Brian North (12-2-59-3) while Marc Woods (4-1-15-1) picked up the key wicket. Given the repeated chasing and foraging for the ball in the thick bushes surrounding the ground, ODs maintained the pressure in the field and prevented Beckenham from accelerating in the latter overs such that they only posted 205-8 in their 46 overs.

Although the new ball seamed and cut alarmingly at times, ODs set a solid platform thanks to James Langford's counter-punching 54 and at 87-1 after 20 overs, the pressure was beginning to toll on the bowlers and fielders. Even after James departed (immediately followed by Laurence Sanders for 28), Andy Rouse (15) and Marc Woods (24) kept up the momentum as the required rate never rose above 5. However, a collapse from 129-3 to 144-7 pushed the game right back to Beckenham and despite John McLaughlin's repeated attempts to clear the tennis courts and some swashbuckling stroke-play from Brian North, ODs finished at 184-9.

3s home to Blackheath 7s 22/6

With the opposition only having 4 players at the toss, the 3rd xi magnanimously chose to bowl first but despite a steady opening spell from Brian North (7-1-10-1) failed to make early inroads on an interesting Warren track as Blackheath rattled along. A wicket from Sam Hutton (7-0-27-3) (OD Cuaco Club kit still available from the on line shop, Sam) was soon followed by two more from Chris Jones (4-0-31-2) including a straightforward caught-and-bowled which he decided to make rather more interesting than first thought as he juggled it repeatedly before finally holding on just above his bootlaces. An improved fielding performance meant ODs were able to exert the squeeze on the Blackheath lower order with wickets for Andy Parker (2-0-3-1), Taylor Emblen (1-0-6-1) and the returning Marc Woods (8.3-0-40-1) while Calum Hider (4-0-21-0) also contributed a useful spell of medium pace; Blackheath were bowled out for 141 after 33.2 overs. Despite an abundance of overs, 142 was never going to be an easy chase despite the appealing boundary towards the clubhouse. Andy Parker and Abishek Patel put on a solid opening stand of over 30 before a mini-collapse left ODs at around 70-5. Andy Rouse was playing an excellent captain’s innings of 44 with able support from Chris Jones (12) to lift ODs to 99-5 within sight of victory before a fatal miscommunication led to Jones being run out before Rouse departed 2 balls later. Even following the fall of two further wickets, all hope was not lost as Marc Woods (15) and the redoubtable Brian North combined to thwart the Blackheath bowling through a combination of lusty blows, stoic defence and scampered extras until only 9 further runs were required. Alas, Woods pulled a short delivery away through square leg only for a seemingly dozy fielder to fling himself to his right and pluck the ball before being mobbed by his jubilant teammates. A valiant last-ditch effort nearly allowed ODs a clean sweep but some injudicious dismissals, occasionally sporadic bowling and careless fielding (your correspondent being the primary culprit) allowed Blackheath to sneak home. Nonetheless, there were some promising performances – Rouse’s 44 was worth much more on that wicket – and the 3s now travel away to the mighty Beckenham.

3s at Dulwich 16/6

Rousey won the toss, negotiated a reduced 40 over game, chose to bat, watched the rain start, agreed a further reduced 36 over game and the game started 40 minutes late with latest opening pairing of Parker/McLaughlin.

Three overs bowled before the rain came down. Unfortunately Johnny Mac missed a straight one in that time. 30 minutes later Parker and Rousey strode out again only for the skip to stop one with his hooter. Woodsy came and went in the very same over before Taylor joined Parker in putting bat to ball for an over or two before perishing. At which point Rouse came back out, got out, was replaced by the dry Hunter then it rained again.

Skippers chose to take an early tea during which the groundsman decided to abandon the game despite the pitch being bone dry under the covers. Oh well, back to an uncovered wicket next week.

Home to Blackheath Select 8/6

Browny and Henley opened the bowling with intent and Blackheath Select struggled to get going with the first six wickets falling quite cheaply. The Blackheath skipper then batted pretty well with the tail to get the score up to 126 before Henley finished them off resulting in figures of 5-20. Northy took two excellent catches, Parker didn't.

An all round great bowling performance which gave us an additional six overs in which to get the runs.

Henley had to leave early so opened the batting with Parker (cautious skip not wanting to give anything away). Helped a little by some slightly wayward bowling, they took the game to the bowlers and ticked along at about five an over until Parker was out with the scrore on 82. We gave away a couple of wickets rather needlessly before the end but by this stage the damage had been done. Rousey and Sam Fishlock saw us home with six wickets and almost half our overs in hand.

A good win, set up by fine bowling and finished off by positive but relatively risk free batting. Henley showing that early nights can still be expensive as he had to get a jug in for a five-fer and a fifty with the bat.

Thanks as always to Nev and Wally for their help again.

Sidcup away 1/6

The 3rd XI looked forward to the coming of blazing June with rock hard pitches that would resemble a road. However when we assembled at Sidcup it was clear when we looked at the pitch and the overcast skies that blazing June hadn’t arrived just yet. We knew Sidcup would be a hard nut to crack, after all, they had given Orpington a bit of a thumping earlier in the season and we hadn’t done too well against the same opposition. So this was definitely one where some points would be very handy indeed and with a team packed with batting and a bowling attack comprised of fiery youth and wily spin, we fancied our chances. What would prove to be an important toss went against us and not surprisingly, we were inserted. We got off to the worst of all possible starts with the top three managing to play around, over and probably under various balls from a very steady but hardly threatening opening attack. Even so we found ourselves at 60 for 6 and facing the possibility of a finish before tea. Cue a dogged knock from the skipper to dig us out from an embarrassing situation – amazing what can happen when you don’t get run out from direct throws from long leg! With Rousey’s well deserved 52 and a fine display of off driving from Sam we clawed our way to 146 all out. Sidcup bowled well throughout and made the most of favourable conditions but even so we were well short of par. Knowing we had successfully defended a similar score a week before, we enjoyed a pleasant tea (despite the teams finding themselves in the car park thanks to a wedding reception). We knew we would need all the half chances to stick and Lady Luck to be smiling on us. Unfortunately the very few half chances that did come our way were no more than quarter chances and Lady Luck had clearly decided to turn her attention to the wedding party. As the sun came out the ball stopped swinging and the pitch died. Without enough runs, it was a huge ask for the four pronged attack but they wheeled away ultimately in vain. All four Sidcup batsmen were rarely troubled on a pitch that now resembled a pair of well worn slippers and it was testimony to the side’s spirit, that with the aid of some really good fielding, Sidcup needed 34 overs to reach their target although for the loss of only two wickets. The result probably flattered Sidcup a little as it was game of two pitches but they were clearly the better side on the day. However the return fixture later in the season will be an interesting one and hopefully result in a much closer contest.

3rd XI home to Old Wilsonians 25th May

Spirited resistance , an almost faultless fielding display and very disciplined bowling gave the 3rd team a much needed and deserved win against Old Wilsonians.

A slightly controversial decision by the skipper to bat first on a very wet wicket , was finally backed up by a strong bowling attack which strangled the life out of a good Wilsonians batting line-up. The ODCUACO innings got off to a steady if not spectacular start , the wicket playing some part in the early dismissals. At 4 and 5 Billy and Chippy came together and put on 60+ ,before Billy eventually went after taking on the man on the boundary.At this stage we were well placed for a good score ,unfortunately Bills dismissal started a all too familiar collapse and suddenly we were 7 down with 10 or so overs left and the score looking miserable at sub 130. Sam dug deep and with a disciplined knock , just waiting for the bad one,kept the score ticking over and with some dogged resistance from Alex and Northy we got the score up to 149 , with the last wicket falling in the last over .... Langford 46 , Billy 29 and Sam 19.

150 was clearly defendable , if we could consistently pitch the ball up and not give the oppo any width. After a couple of warm up overs Bill and Brownie got into there stride and we were keeping the run rate down to 3 an over .Bills persistence finally paid off and a great catch in the gully from Sam , saw their hard hitting opener depart for the showers. Immediately after, the cat like Mark Watson pounced on an off drive and threw the stumps down from a prone position to send their no3 back for a duck . 2 of their big scorers gone , we were right in it . Brownie has been a bit unlucky so far this season , but his consistent good line soon bowled their 4 and 5 batsmen .

We just had to get rid of the dangerous Pilgrim , or keep him quiet and get rid of the rest. That's what we did , on came Caddy senior and Northy , and they had no answer to their line and length and wickets fell .Having cut out all of Pilgrims scoring shots , he eventually fell to a top edge and another great catch by Sam Fishlock. David cleaned up the tail , ending with 4 wickets in his 4.1 overs .

It was a great display in the second half of the game , and a pleasure to captain it , and be part of it . To see the 3rd team bowl 9 maidens out of their 42 and field with a passion to win(the bribe of plenty of free beer may have helped) , was fantastic , and this is the discipline and attitude we need to take into next weeks match to sustain our promotion position. A couple of strange results in the league .... Ex Blues/Orpington was abandoned ?,............ and Caribbean Mix conceded to Beckenham? .......... any info greatly received.

Well done all .... on a great team effort!!

Orpington away 18/5

Well .. we didn't score enough runs , and we didn't take enough wickets .... funny old game ,cricket. Sporting luck wasn’t on our side on Saturday , a couple of silly run outs , two ducks , and generally wickets falling at all the wrong times.Somehow we managed to scrape to 169,Smith managing to scratch his way to 50 in the 40th over ,and a few others getting going, but not being able to stay in and push on.

We were 30 runs short without a doubt, but if we bowled tightly and fielded well , we were in with a shout.It wasn't to be . Unfortunately Orpington got off to a flyer and were 42 off 6 overs , compared to our 13 at a similar stage. Their opening bowler .bowling 12 overs ,7 maidens,3 for 14 !!! Eventually we got the break through , and even though Orpington continued steadily , we took a few wickets and Brian and David slowed the run rate considerably . The chance for victory was there , unfortunately ,their no 6 ,who had a very good eye , but played mostly across the line , was dropped 6 times ,or was it 7..wickets fell at the other end , but he went on to get 66 and win the game . We took 6 wickets , if one of the earlier dropped catches had stuck who knows !... it would have been nice to have had their 7 and 8 in with 30/40 runs to get ........... but that's the price you pay in cricket ............ and again , even with a loss... some bonus points went begging .

Old Wilsonians next week .......we gotta take our chances!!

Caribbean Mix at home, 11th May

This was our first home league game of the season and what should have been the team’s second league win. The opposition was an unknown quantity – it being there first ever league game – but the boys exuded a quiet confidence (well, perhaps, not so quiet in Woodsey’s case). Skip lost the toss and we fielded first. Some tight bowling from Billy and Browney kept the run rate at about four an over but the first wicket eluded us. There was endless “playing” Calypso style and missing on a wicket with variable bounce with most runs coming from anything short and wide. Cue the rain and half an hour later some straighter bowling saw two quick wickets and more wild thrashing at empty air. Every now and again a connection would be made and end up over the keeper’s head. The frustration was added to by their No 8 seeming to be run out but not given. The No 8 went on to make 26 and the Mix a total of 163, probably 40 more than should have been the case and helped by a couple of dropped catches and no less than 20 wides. After the usual splendid tea, our innings got off to a shaky start with both Steve Smith and Ben Stuart playing round straight(ish) balls on the full and being caught in front. After that the innings settled down with Billy Rouse and David Edwards taking the reply to over 100 with 20 overs to go without too many scares. Then, helped by a run out, the Mix’s 2nd change found a rhythm as well as a particularly helpful spot outside off stump which meant the ball cut in and shot straight along the ground. From 105 – 2 we declined to 142 all out and a loss by 21 runs. Bearing in mind the Mix only had 10 and it was their first ever league game, we should have won but sometimes cricket just ain’t that straightforward.

Rousey's Reaction

We lost the last 6 wickets for 14 runs of which the last 4 wickets we got 1 run

12 bonus points instead of 13 or 14 .....should really have been 20 for a win

Ex Blues away 4th May

OD 3rds got off to a perfect start with a crushing 20point/103 run win over Ex Blues,with the big hitting run machine , starting to rumble. Having lost the toss, put into bat , and lost an early wicket ...a big second wicket stand between Smith and Sanders got the season started...Will really went to task on their bowlers , hitting 4 sixes , with Steve playing a more supporting role .Smith went and a pumped up Emblen came in and smashed it from the start .. showing good technique and huge hitting power , raced to 58 in super quick time. Wickets came and went , but with everyone contributing quick runs , the total spiralled to 243 all out with 2.5 overs still left . It should be noted that ex blues took 3 stunning catches , both Rouses and Will ... Wills dismissal on the boundary , would have taken him on to 90 ...... without those catches , the score could have been mammoth.

Confident , and with the sun gods looking down , Billy and Simon opened up the bowling , and destroyed their top order .... 3 of the top four , falling for ducks. A cracking start , and by the time these two had finished there spells , it was unlikely our target would be reached. McLaughlin and Brown next .... really good fast and aggressive spells by both ,picking up four wickets between them .It will be great for the club to have these two guys bowling regularly again ... we all hope Brownys’ back is ok this morning . AND THEN ...one of the spin twins .... what can be said .... Neville said it .... Callum was a little bit upset , when he own umpire commented on 1 ball as being “not good “ ..... but in fact he bowled some lovely balls , mixed into an varied spell..... his first competitive spin bowling spell ... was really promising , and in the end he deservedly picked up 2 wickets. After a short cameo by the Ex Blues skipper ,and a dogged last wicket stand .. Billy moped up the tail ... and .... 20 points banked safely in the play cricket savings account. Roll on next week.

NOTES W Sanders 84....T Emblen 58.....B Rouse 3/7

Pre-season practice match

The cricket season started on Saturday 27th April on a bright but cold day. The 2's match was a non starter as it appeared Old Wilsonians had forgotten to turn up!

This allowed them to have a meaningful training stint on the main square. All getting a bat and a bowl and all seemed to benefit from it. Especially those that were out cheaply but although I know who you were they remain nameless!

The 3's and 4's mixed themselves up into Rousey's Royals and Bob's Bashers.

Again all benefited. Good knocks from Dan Smedley, Billy Rouse, Liam Osbourne, Steve Smith, Marc Woods, John McLaughlin, Ben Stuart and Jake Owen. Quite a few sixes with one from Ariez that sailed straight into the tennis courts much to the surprise of the people playing there!

Rousey's Snr and Dave Vigus both tidy behind the stumps, Dave taking two good catches.

Special mention for David Edwards attempt to take an extremely quick slip chance. After parrying the ball into the air he decided to dive in his second attempt. Well the earth moved for me and he is probably still feeling it!

A good day from start to finish and a really good atmosphere.

Thanks To Neville for umpiring and special thanks to Anne Webster for scoring on a day when she needed four layers of clothes, gloves and her faithful sleeping bag. Howard Smith did offer to give her a cuddle and was surprised when she turned him down.